Abstract: A method and apparatus for periodically interrupting ultrasonic power applied to a ultrasonically vibrating tip to control its amplitude between high and low or zero amplitudes with a selectible duty cycle and repetition rate provides enhanced fragmentation and improves surgical control. The duty cycle may also vary as a function of a remotely sensed parameter such as tissue temperature.

Abstract: A handpiece connector cooperates with the logic control circuit in an ultrasonic surgical system to distinguish types of handpieces, to indicate types of handpieces, to control differing operating frequencies for such differing handpieces, and to provide logic signals for controlling other system parameters dependent on the type of handpiece selected. A handpiece connector is prewired in a manner which is electrically indicative of one of several parameters to identify the selective handpiece. A logic control circuit, when connected to the handpiece, indicates that a handpiece is connected, indicates the type of handpiece so connected, indicates and controls the frequency of operation pertinent to that handpiece, and controls other system operating parameters related to the selected handpiece.